On Sunday, the Australian state of Queensland experienced intense flooding following bouts of heavy rain produced by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. The near-record rainfall has left tens of thousands without power and has forced multiple evacuations and rescues as life-threatening flooding surges.
Queensland State Premier Steven Miles declared a “serious weather emergency” as a result of the cyclone’s impact. The country’s international airport in Cairns—a tourist hub where around 170,000 people live—was also closed due to the record levels of flooding. The state premier announced that Cairns was expected to exceed its previous record of flooding which was set in 1977.
Severe flooding is impacting Cairns, Australia, and Far North Queensland due to the lingering effects of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which is causing continuous and heavy rainfall in the region.
This is Cairns Airport today 👀
📹 @OutbackAussie5 pic.twitter.com/wClpzRmYBr
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) December 17, 2023
There is a serious weather emergency playing out right now in Far North Queensland as the region continues to be impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. There is still more rain to come.
Some communities have received up to 600mm of rain in the past day.
🧵 1/5 pic.twitter.com/EDSKPPZgPf
— Steven Miles (@StevenJMiles) December 17, 2023
The state premier also said that the government had deployed a significant number of rescue vessels to respond to urgent calls for help. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said that number was 532. The agency said that some of those who they rescued were trapped in vehicles after knowingly driving into water.
The local government for the aboriginal area of Wujal Wujal also urged caution during the storm on social media. They warned people to stay from floodwaters, and warned of a crocodile that was seen at a bridge crossing near where children were swimming.
A major flood emergency is unfolding in Far North Queensland as the remnants of Cyclone Jasper dumps relentless heavy rain. Homes are inundated and major roads are cut off.pic.twitter.com/WciAuRssvQpic.twitter.com/k5I4ApidYhpic.twitter.com/elG2S4zRnO
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) December 17, 2023
One meteorologist confirmed that some areas received more than 600 millimeters of rain within a 24-hour window, and that 500 mm more was expected to follow that. The Cairns Local Disaster Management Group said that homes, buildings, roads, and bridges had been submerged with water, according to one British news source. Some roads were completely destroyed as a result.
Peak Aussie content here 🐊 A big crocodile has been spotted in a swollen drain in the centre of Ingham, a North Queensland town currently cut off by floodwaters. Filmed by @abcnews reporter @ChloeChomicki, who is isolated like everyone else in town. pic.twitter.com/LSg5ODkpIF
— Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) December 17, 2023
Casualties included one 30-year-old man who died after being found unconscious next to downed power lines. A 10-year-old girl was also struck by lightning amid the extreme weather and is now in critical condition, Queensland police confirmed.
Australia’s Queensland state is experiencing some of its worst flooding in its history as remnants of Tropical Cyclone Jasper continue to dump phenomenal rainfall totals to the Cairns region of northern Qld. Two rain gauges have recorded over 660 mm (26 inches) of rain in just 12… pic.twitter.com/E9QGvdH7fI
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) December 17, 2023
About a week ago, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology first issued a tropical cyclone warning in preparation for Cyclone Jasper. The cyclone brought with it intense as well as the risk of bushfires. At the time, meteorologists could tell it was going to hit Queensland’s coast, but were not sure when. The ex-tropical cyclone is expected to continue its barrage of extreme weather until Monday night.
Weather warfare.